Contest celebrates happy workplaces

AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) - Any company with at least 15 employees in the state of Maine is being encouraged to participate in this year's "Best Place to Work in Maine" competition.

Past first-place winners of the seventh annual program were Westbrook-based Cintas in the large company category and PeoplesChoice Credit Union, located in Saco, in the small-medium category.

Now, the Maine State Council of the Society for Human Resources Management is kicking off this year's competition. Gov. Paul LePage on Wednesday praised the program for recognizing companies that foster outstanding workplace environments.

Interested companies can apply to participate in the program online at www.bestplacestoworkme.com. The deadline for registration is May 24.

Copyright 2013 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.